Description
This festive and flavorful Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is the perfect appetizer for any holiday gathering. With a creamy base of cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, accented with taco seasoning, cilantro, green onions, and spicy green chile peppers, this wreath is sure to impress. Topped with fresh tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, it’s a colorful and tasty treat that combines the richness of cheese with zesty, crunchy toppings. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16 oz) package cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1/2 packet taco seasoning 🌮
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed 🌿
- 4 green onions, roughly chopped 🧅
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chile peppers 🌶️
- 1 medium Roma tomato, cored and diced 🍅
- 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion 🧅
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 🌶️
Instructions
- Prepare the Bowl: Line a 16-ounce bowl with plastic wrap, letting extra wrap hang over the edges for easy removal.
- Mix Cheese Base: In a food processor, blend the cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning until well combined. Add half of the cilantro, green onions, and green chiles, and pulse a few times to incorporate them into the mixture. Don’t fully process—leave flecks of green for added texture and color.
- Shape the Wreath: Transfer the cheese mixture into the lined bowl. Press the mixture to smooth it out and form a round shape. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Create Wreath Center: Once chilled, invert the cheese onto a serving platter, gently remove the plastic wrap. Use a shot glass or spoon to create a small hole in the center to form a wreath shape.
- Decorate: Finely chop the remaining cilantro and sprinkle it over the top of the wreath. In a small bowl, combine the diced tomato, chopped onion, and finely chopped jalapeno pepper. Arrange this mixture in a ring around the wreath for a festive touch.
Notes
- Make ahead: This cheese ball wreath can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Adjust spice level: To make the wreath milder, reduce or omit the jalapeno and use less taco seasoning.
- Customize toppings: You can add chopped olives, diced bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top for additional color and flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday, Party Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the wreath
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35mg